India's Digital Public Infrastructure: A Global Model for AI Empowerment at the Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's commitment to sharing its digital public infrastructure globally, emphasising that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than dominance. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Modi stressed the importance of making artificial intelligence accessible to everyone, aiming to bridge past technological divides. He urged that AI governance should prioritise the aspirations of the Global South.

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Modi expressed optimism about the summit's role in fostering a human-centric global AI ecosystem. He noted that history shows disruptions can become opportunities, and today presents such a chance for humanity. The prime minister reiterated India's vision for AI as a shared resource for human welfare, aligning with this transformative opportunity.

AI Governance and Ethical Considerations

Modi underscored the need for ethical norms in AI, highlighting the potential for unethical behaviour. He called on AI companies to focus on purpose alongside profit, advocating for strong ethical commitments. He proposed three suggestions: respecting data sovereignty, ensuring secure and reliable data, and maintaining transparent safety rules to foster accountability and ethical business practices.

The prime minister cited Lord Buddha's teachings on right action stemming from right understanding. He emphasised creating a roadmap for AI's positive impact through timely and well-intentioned decisions. Modi also mentioned the paper clip problem, illustrating how unchecked AI goals could deplete resources, stressing human guidance in technology's direction.

India's Technological Advancements

India has developed a robust digital infrastructure, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which facilitated seamless online transactions even in challenging times. Modi highlighted India's provision of world-class computing power to startups at affordable rates. The AIKosh National Dataset Platform offers over 7,500 datasets and 270 AI models as national resources.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, global cooperation demonstrated technology's potential to serve humanity. Modi cited India's digital vaccination platform as an example of technology aiding timely vaccinations. He emphasised that technology's direction must be human-determined, with India adding 24,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) under its AI Mission in six months.

Global Cooperation and Human Values

Modi highlighted how nations united during the pandemic to achieve what seemed impossible. From vaccine development to supply chains and data sharing, cooperation provided solutions. He stressed that when technology aligns with human trust, AI's true impact will be evident worldwide.

The prime minister concluded by advocating for an AI future that promotes innovation, inclusion, and human values. By ensuring technology serves humanity's welfare and aligns with ethical principles, India aims to play a significant role in the global journey of artificial intelligence.

With inputs from PTI